Lang
4/24/21
Allegedly attacking staff at Hy-Vee after an attempted theft has led to the arrest of an Iowa City man.
Iowa City Police were called to the 1st Avenue Hy-Vee just before noon Friday for a shoplifter fighting with staff in the parking lot. Investigators determined that 24-year-old Michael Pennell of Douglas Street had concealed multiple items inside his bag and tried to leave the store without paying. A Hy-Vee employee confronted Pennell, who allegedly struck the man in the shouler with his bag.
As he tried leaving the parking lot, Pennell allegedly threw a rock at a car and knocked over some carts. Police say he initially refused to stop for officers and knocked over a garbage can.
Pennell did not want to speak to officers, but did say Hy-Vee staff would accuse him of assault.
Pennell is charged with Aggravated Theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum of two years in prison.
Last month Pennell allegedly fought with police after being evicted from Shelter House. He’s also accused of breaking into a Broadway Street apartment last month. Earlier this month he allegedly followed and harassed two women walking in different parts of the city: One near the corner of Gilbert Street and Maiden Lane and one on South Linn Street as she was walking to the University of Iowa Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.